This article addresses the nature of dyslexia and best practices for identification and treatment within the context of multitier systems of support (MTSS). We initially review proposed definitions of dyslexia to identify key commonalities and differences in proposed attributes. We then review empirical evidence for proposed definitional…

The study aimed to investigate the spelling performance and the semantic understanding of compound words by 103 Greek primary school children (first through sixth grade). The experimental group comprised of 25 children with spelling difficulties and compared with a control group of 78 children of typical development. Children were asked to spell…

Three cohorts of third-grade students (N = 813) were evaluated on achievement, cognitive abilities, and behavioral attention according to contrasting research traditions in defining math learning disability (LD) status: low achievement versus extremely low achievement and IQ-achievement discrepant versus strictly low-achieving LD. We use methods…

The regression-based discrepancy definition of learning disabilities has been suggested by Rutter and Yule as an improvement of the well-known and much criticized achievement-intelligence discrepancy definition, whereby the examinee's predicted reading attainment is substituted for the intelligence score in the discrepancy expression. Even though…

Based on approximately 1,600 referrals of disabled and regular students, 94 empirically derived formulas for assessment of learning disability were used. The most discriminating formula, which included Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Wide Range Achievement Test and grade level variables, resulted in moderate coefficients. (Author/CL)

Data from reports of the federally funded Child Service Demonstration Centers (CSDCs) are said to show that only three CSDCs adhered to all criteria in the federal definition of learning disabilities. The author suggests that LD should be adopted as a generic term for all mild handicaps. (CL)

To determine the degree of controversy or consensus regarding definitions at the state level, questionnaires focusing on six learning disability topics were sent to each state education agency (SEA) and the District of Columbia. In general, more consensus than controversy exists when broad areas are considered. Changes in some SEA definitions…

Researchers, policymakers, and teacher trainers, identified as being on the "cutting edge" of research and programing in learning disabilities, responded to surveys in 1975 and 1981. The "experts" generally endorsed learning disabilities as viable classifications and asserted that they are identifiable by specific symptoms or syndrome of symptoms.…

Reviews definitional issues of learning disabilities in the context of the Guckenberger v. Boston University federal lawsuit. Four major questions are addressed: (1) Who is learning disabled?; (2) How should learning disabilities be assessed?; (3) Who is qualified to decide whether or not an individual has a learning disability?; and (4) What…

The author suggests that controversies over defining learning disabilities (LD) have resulted from confusion between diagnosis and definition and from disagreement over the discrepancy issue. He further suggests that LD students are a subset of age- and ability-referenced underachievers. (CL)

The author suggests that, if the purpose of classification is to provide educational services, the category of learning disabilities be used to describe pupils with mild handicaps. She cites the folly of research on sytem-selected students because system-selection decisions are biased by political, practical, and financial influences. (CL)

This article criticizes the term "comorbidity" used to describe the overlap of developmental syndromes or disorders. Data from 179 school-age children are evaluated for criteria of seven disorders. Since fully 50 percent of the sample met the criteria for at least two diagnoses, the premise that these disorders are discrete categories on…

State guidelines for 1981/82 and 1985/86 were compared to identify trends in definitions and methods used to diagnose learning disabilities (LD). The later guidelines tended to delineate specific achievement discrepancy criteria. However, major components of LD definitions were not altered and IQ cutoffs were not implemented. (Author/DB)

Noting a high incidence of learning disabilities among students with visual impairments, this article compares definitions of the two conditions. Common assessment approaches are discussed and those inappropriate for students with low vision or blindness are identified. Suggested intervention approaches include adaptation of the environment,…

The article posits that emotionally disturbed (ED) children routinely are diagnosed as learning disabled (LD), a situation deriving from diagnostic problems and inadequacies of definitions. Among suggestions made for special educators are knowing ED and LD definitions, and becoming assertive as evaluation team members. (MC)